Senate Bonding Bill includes funding for Hugo Short Line Railway

ST. PAUL, MINN — Sen. Chuck Wiger (DFL-Maplewood) is applauding the inclusion of the Hugo Short Line Railway in the bonding bill Republicans introduced this week. This $1.1 million project will help keep around more than 500 jobs in the region by fixing a railway that is nearing closure if it doesn’t get appropriate funds. Without repair, at least 10 area employers who use the line including Polar Plastics in Oakdale, would get cut off from rail service.

“I am pleased to see the Hugo Railway project be included in the Bonding Bill. This is a fairly straightforward project, the rail line is deteriorated and requires repair to continue operating trains. Many businesses rely on this particular rail line in order to keep their business running. This is the definition of a project that will help spur or maintain economic development; keep people employed and add value to the community,” said Sen. Wiger.

The Senate Bonding Bill is being voted on in the Capital Investment Committee later this week.